Katheryn Fay Anderson and Derek Williams Jr are the 2024 recipients of a Foothills Striders’ Scholarship. The awards are given each year to two Blount County students, who have distinguished themselves academically as well as physically by participating in sport activities, such as cycling, hiking and/or running. Both Katheryn and Derek will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Foothills Striders in the fall to assist with their upcoming college expenses.

Katheryn is a graduate of Alcoa High School, and the daughter of Pamela and Michael Anderson. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue degrees in Bio-Chemistry and Forensic Science. Derek is a graduate of William Blount High School, and the son of Lenona and Derek William Sr. He will attend the University of Miami to study Exercise Science and Kinesiology.

Katheryn not only maintained a high grade point average and performed well on the ACT, she also found time to volunteer and to participate in sports. One of the professors on the scholarship committee remarked that he was very impressed with Katheryn’s essay. She wrote that she was anxious about starting high school due to lost contacts with classmates during the pandemic. When the school’s cross country team needed more runners, Katheryn recruited a friend to help complete the roster. She stated that the once-fledgling team emerged as regional champions. One of Katheryn’s volunteer endeavors was to coach tennis for Parks and Recreation. A mother of a participant wrote that “she was nurturing and supportive, fostering an environment where each player feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.” Katheryn also served in various leadership roles and volunteer activities with the Blount County 4-H Honor Club. Plus, she has won awards for her speeches and photography.

Derek’s impressive application package contained his high school transcripts, which shows he earned a 4.0 unweighted grade point average. He was able to maintain his perfect string of A’s while working a part-time job and participating in sports. He worked 10 to 20 hours per week at Home Depot and earned a company award. Derek wrote in his essay that his track experience was not as smooth as anticipated. He was dealing with an abnormal muscular condition, and he went through some difficult times. He independently started studying the body and its movement patterns. He learned about the nature of injuries and he not only helped himself, but helped members of his track team. This experience helped him to determine his career goal of becoming a physical therapist who “will listen and guide his patients through chronic injuries.” One of his recommendations stated Derek is one of the fastest 100 and 200 meter runners at William Blount. He is a “great representative of our school.”

In correspondence after the selection process, Katheryn was asked if she had a favorite quote. She responded a quote attributed to Pat Riley, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” Upon receiving notification of his award, Derek said, “I just want people to understand that only you know your body best, and don’t be afraid to take initiative for yourself. Find what works for you!” We can look forward to more great accomplishments from both of our scholarship recipients.

The Scholarship Committee is very impressed by the quality of candidates of the application packages received in 2024. Including this years’ recipients, the Foothills Striders will have awarded $104,900 since 1987.